The christening represents an achievement in the US Navy’s growing fleet oiler initiative. Source: General Dynamics NASSCO

On September 21, 2024, General Dynamics NASSCO celebrated a moment in naval shipbuilding with the christening and launch of the USNS Lucy Stone(T-AO 209).

As the fifth ship in the US Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler programme, the vessel aims to fortify US maritime logistics capacity.

Strengthening maritime logistics with the USNS Lucy Stone

In a ceremony attended by senior defence officials and Navy leaders, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro served as the keynote speaker, emphasising the significance of the Lucy Stone and the wider fleet oiler programme.

The USNS Lucy Stone, part of a $3.2bn contract for nine fleet oilers, is designed to enhance the Navy’s ability to operate at sea for extended periods. The 742-foot vessel has a full load displacement of 49,850 tons and a capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil, alongside a sizable dry cargo capacity and aviation capability. These features enable it to deliver fuel and supplies to carrier strike groups, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

NASSCO’s growing commitment to John-Lewis class production

With the launch of the Lucy Stone, General Dynamics NASSCO has reinforced its standing as a partner in the US Navy’s shipbuilding strategy. The John Lewis-class programme, the longest Navy production series in NASSCO’s history, continues to expand with a new contract signed earlier in September 2024. This agreement includes the construction of up to eight additional oilers (T-AO 214 through 221), ensuring the longevity of this fleet replenishment capability.

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In May 2023, General Dynamics NASSCO secured a $736m contract modification to build the T-AO 213, the ninth ship in the John Lewis-class fleet oiler programme. Scheduled to begin construction in the third quarter of 2025, these ships can achieve speeds up to 20 knots.

NASSCO’s portfolio is already populated with successful deliveries. The first three ships of the series—the USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), the USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), and the USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207)—are operational within the Navy, with the USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208) set for sea trials in the coming weeks. The following ships in the series, the USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210) and Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211) are currently under construction.

The John Lewis-class oilers, designed to operate at speeds of up to 20 knots, are part of the Navy’s deterrence and power projection capabilities. As these ships become operational, they will enhance the Navy’s ability to project a force and ensure logistical continuity.